Ireland’s largest Christmas festival, Winterval, kicks off in Waterford city this weekend, and we can’t wait.
Winter is certainly coming, and without a doubt, one of the best things winter brings is Christmas. As one of the best parts of Christmas is the build-up to it, what better way to get in the Christmas spirit than by soaking in the atmosphere of Winterval, Ireland’s biggest Christmas festival?
Ireland has over recent years become increasingly popular for its Christmas activities, from markets to festivals, and the Waterford Winterval festival is arguably the top event at Christmastime on the Emerald Isle.
This year’s Winterval is starting this weekend, and we can’t wait! Here’s a rundown of what you need to know.
What is the Waterford Winterval Festival?
The 2019 Waterford Winterval festival takes place from 23rd November to 23rd December. It will be open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 23rd November, and then every day from 18th to 23rd December.
The Waterford Winterval festival, which takes place in the heart of Waterford city, has been at the forefront of this Christmas festival resurgence and has become renowned for being Ireland’s Christmas capital.
Every November, Waterford city completely transforms into a magical and festive winter wonderland full of activities for all ages to enjoy.
Christmas events at Winterval
As Ireland’s largest Christmas Festival, Winterval is full of Christmas wonder and cheer. This year’s Winterval festival will once again include a wide variety of magical Christmas events both free and ticketed.
The prices range from €6/5 for train rides and €5/4 for the big wheel, €17 per child for Santa’s Grotto (with two adults going free) and €13/12 for ice-skating. See Winterval.ie to get the full list of prices for all activities.
Winterval 2019 offers an action-packed programme full of festive fun as many new exciting attractions and fan favourites have been added to this year’s line-up. Highlights of Winterval include Santa’s Grotto, the stunning 3D Lightshow, the Waterford Eye Ferris Wheel, the Helter Skelter, and the traditional carousel located in John Roberts Square.
No visit to the Winterval festival is complete without taking a stroll through the beautiful markets located in the heart of Waterford’s Viking Triangle and enjoying a skate in the Waterford on Ice rink.
A festive atmosphere
Waterford Winterval Festival is spread throughout Waterford city, which provides you with the opportunity to explore everything that the city centre has to offer. It’s simply a joy to explore the city centre and witness its transformation into a winter wonderland as it is adorned with beautiful lights around every corner.
In addition to the many amusements to enjoy, there is also an excellent outdoor market and an excellent craft market to enjoy in Garter’s Lane Arts Centre. It would be hard to not find yourself singing along to all the Christmas carols and songs while enjoying a leisurely trip on the Winterval Express Train or a romantic tour on the double-decker horse-drawn sleigh.
When night-time arrives, the city lights up thanks to the Winterval Illuminates at Cathedral Square, which runs a light show every 30 minutes after 5 pm. Also, Spraoi’s Winter Wonderland located at Wyse Park opens for visitors after 5 pm to explore.
What better way to start your Christmas season than by visiting Winterval this season!
